Speaker of Parliament R. Raši: Reducing the number of regions could lead to a loss of EU funds
Bratislava – The reduction in the number of higher territorial units (VÚC) could lead to a loss of EU funds. This was pointed out on Wednesday by the Chairman of the National Council (NR) of the Slovak Republic Richard Raši, as well as the State Secretary of the Ministry of Interior Michal Kaliňák (both from Hlas-SD) in a joint statement. TASR reports on this.
Richard Raši and Michal Kaliňák reminded that any changes in the VÚC system could have a negative impact on regional development, territorial cooperation, and also on the absorption of EU funds. According to them, the reform of self-governing regions should be implemented only after 2027 to reduce the risk of losing EU funds.
They stated that while reducing the number of VÚC could contribute to more efficient use of public finances and potentially lower administrative costs, they emphasize the need to look at the issues more comprehensively. “We do not oppose rationalization, provided that it is preceded by a constructive discussion and a thorough consideration of all possible impacts so that this process is not carried out hastily or without a systematic approach,” said Raši.
The reform of self-governing regions must be precisely prepared
According to Kaliňák, the reform of self-governing regions must be precisely prepared in discussion with territorial partners and can only be valid from 2030.
“Since these changes would be closely linked to the absorption of EU funds by the regions, we recommend implementing them only in the upcoming programming period, after 2027, which will ensure continuity and minimize the risk of losing European resources,” explained the State Secretary of the Ministry of Interior.
According to Raši and Kaliňák, the discussion about territorial change must begin today to set up a system that would reflect the creation of a new agreement regarding EU funds. They consider it essential for Slovakia to be a reliable and predictable partner for the European Commission. They believe that the reduction in the number of VÚC must also be part of the public administration reform and the modernization of self-governments. The Association of Towns and Communities of Slovakia, the Union of Towns of Slovakia, and the Association of Self-Governing Regions of Slovakia (SK8) are also expected to bring their proposals for the reform preparation in the fall.
The coalition party SNS proposed last week to reduce the number of self-governing regions from eight to four. It justified this by saving more than 500 million euros through the reduction of offices and the elimination of duplications. According to its leader and Prime Minister Robert Fico, Smer-SD is ready to vote for such a proposal. The leader of Hlas-SD and Minister of Interior Matúš Šutaj Eštok stated that his party is ready to discuss the reduction in numbers, but after a professional debate. (August 20)
